INTO BATTLE
were not intercepted or their operations interfered with by bom-
bardment from the sea and, consequently, there would be no means
by which such a fleet could avoid the necessity of fighting a naval
engagement, and possibly at very heavy odds*
No doubt for the first few months or weeks, wjiile actual fighting
for the command of the Mediterranean was proceeding, it would be
prudent to deflect our Eastern merchant traffic round the Cape.
But that in no way affects the general argument for immediate
decisive operations to obtain full and unquestioned command of
the inland sea. Therefore, I was very glacl to hear Lord Chatfield
yesterday lay down the sound doctrine that it is the duty of the
Royal Navy to " seek out and destroy the enemy's fleet." That
is the true note to strike. But it is not possible to be simultaneously
strong everywhere. Sacrifices must be made and punishment must
be taken in some theatres in order that speedy victory may be gained
in the decisive theatre, After the victory has been won there are
ample resources which will be available to restore the position in
more distant theatres. If there is anything left over which is not
restored, that could be settled at the peace conference. It should
not be long before we were in a position to restore the position in
the more distant theatres- Therefore, I submit that the first main
effort should be to secure and keep command of the Mediterranean*
Lord Chatfield's statement was no doubt of general application;
he did not suggest it was given a particular application; but none
the less, it was most timely, because such a doctrine, vigorously
applied, will influence the foreign policy of every Mediterranean
Power, both in deterring possible antagonists from attacking us or
our allies, and in encouraging other States bordering on the
Mediterranean, who are animated by the most friendly feelings
towards us, to pursue their part in confidence,
It is refreshing in times like these for us to take an afternoon
off from black care and dwell upon the great and growing strength
of our Navy and to feel confidence that the new inventions in the
air and under the water, properly countered as they have been
and are being, do not in any decisive degree deprive us of the
measureless resources of sea-power with all that has so often followed
in their train.